DAVE’S HOT CHICKEN CONFIRMS INFAMOUS REAPER WILL FEATURE ON UK MENU
The fiery spice that is so intense customers must sign a waiver arrives in UK after fans demand its on the menu
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The Reaper spice level joins UK menu despite initial taste tests revealing flavour too hot for Brits
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Dave’s Hot Chicken has confirmed it will offer all seven spice levels, including mild, medium, hot and Reaper
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Brits can indulge in Dave’s Hot Chicken from Saturday 7th December at its first ever UK store on 40 Shaftesbury Avenue opens
Dave’s Hot Chicken has announced that the infamous Reaper spice level WILL feature on its UK menu, following a huge amount of Brits demanding that it’s on the menu.
After initial taste tests revealed that the Reaper’s extreme heat – which made participants cry and resulted in one person even leaving the test altogether – might not be possible for Brits to handle.
Following thousands of people getting in touch via social media demanding the Reaper spice is on the UK menu Dave’s Hot Chicken has decided to bring the spice level over from the US in time for the launch on the 7th December.
However, owners have warned Brits to be careful as the “Reaper is extremely hot” and people who decide to try it will have to sign a waiver before doing so.
Dave’s Hot Chicken’s deliciously hot Reaper combines the brilliant flavours its chicken is known for with the heat of the world’s hottest chilli pepper, which has an average Scoville Heat Unit of over 2.2 million – that’s over 300 times hotter than a jalapeño!
Before being able to order the Reaper, participants must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks that come with consuming the intense heat of the Reaper. Spice lovers looking to take on the Reaper can visit Dave’s Hot Chicken which opens at 40 Shaftesbury Avenue in London on Saturday 7th December from 12pm.
While the Reaper will make its UK debut this week, Dave’s Hot Chicken advises diners to start low down the heat scale at a comfortable level before slowly making their way up to the extreme heat.
The Reaper joins a full range of seven spice levels, including Plain, Lite Mild, Mild, Medium, Hot and Extra Hot, meaning there’s a flavour and heat for every palette.
The Nashville-styled hot chicken restaurant was founded by three childhood friends, Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, in a East Hollywood carpark in 2017.
Now backed by the likes of Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Usher, the chain boasts 200 locations across America and will see its first UK site at 40 Shaftesbury Avenue, London on 7th December.
Jim Attwood, Managing Director of Dave’s Hot Chicken UK, said: “The Reaper is extremely hot… We’ve seen grown adults cry and others give up after a single bite. Yet despite our warnings, we have received a huge amount of requests begging for it to be on the UK menu. And, who are we to deny people the full Dave’s Hot Chicken experience? So, we’re flying it over from the US and will have it on the menu from the day we open.
“Dave’s is known for its bold flavours and we have the perfect flavour for everyone, whatever your spice tolerance is. We’re thrilled to introduce the legendary Nashville-style chicken to the UK and can’t wait to welcome guests through the doors to try the iconic food that has made Dave’s Hot Chicken a cult favourite in the US.”
Bill Phelps, CEO of Dave’s Hot Chicken, said: “From frying hot chicken in an LA parking lot with nothing but $900 and a dream to set up shop in one of the most iconic cities in the world, we’ve come a long way – and we’re only getting started.
“We’ve worked tirelessly with our UK team to deliver the bold flavours and tongue-tingling spice that have made us a cult sensation here in the USA. And we’re not just bringing the heat – we’re bringing the full Dave’s experience over for Brits. This opening marks the first in our plan to open up to 60 restaurants across both the UK & Ireland in the coming years.”
THE NEED TO KNOW INFO:
📍 Location: 40 Shaftesbury Avenue, London
📅 Opening: Saturday 7th December 2024, 12pm
⏰ Hours:
Monday: 11am–11pm
Tuesday: 11am–11pm
Wednesday: 11 am–11pm
Thursday: 1 am–12am
Friday: 11am–12 am
Saturday: 11am–12 am
Sunday: 11am–10 pm
🌶️ Spice levels: Seven (from No Spice to the dangerously hot Reaper)
🛵 Delivery: Coming January 2025
📱 Socials:
Insta: @DavesHotChickenUK
TikTok: @DavesHotChickenUK
Feeling the heat with Dave’s? Cool down with refreshing soft drinks including Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite. Or why not go the whole hen and opt for one of Dave’s indulgent Top-Loaded Shakes priced from £4.49? Choose from a deliciously creamy chocolate, vanilla or strawberry shake base and top it off with Oreo or M&Ms.
In true LA style, Dave’s Hot Chicken is strutting into London with attitude. The two-floor, 90-cover venue will announce its arrival with an eye-popping street art display, paying homage to the humble parking lot where it all began back in 2017.
Designed by Splatterhaus and Dehmq, the LA-based street artists will capture the spirit of Los Angeles with their vibrant artwork, bringing dynamic West Coast vibes to Shaftesbury Avenue.